It takes a lot to go to college.
It takes even more to be a student-athlete in college.
Danny Herrman, a Great Bend High School graduate, will be attending NCAA Division-II Newman University in the fall. He will also be competing for the bowling team, something he’s been preparing for all summer.
“I’ve been getting a job so I can get more money to help out,” said Herrman, who recently signed his letter of intent to play for Newman. “I’ve been bowling probably every other day.”
Herrman, who was the Class 5-1A state champion both as an individual and as part of the Panthers in 2013, was given a $2,000 scholarship.
Now, Herrman is setting out to earn the scholarship by improving his game.
“I helped out with a bowling camp, when they had it,” Herrman said. “It was just getting everybody together with the new bowlers to see what we had to work with this season.”
Herrman elected not to play for the Class AAA American Legion Great Bend Chiefs baseball team this summer to work.
When he’s not working at Montana Mike’s Steakhouse in Great Bend, he’s usually found at the bowling alley.
“I try to bowl at least four days a week,” Herrman said. “Usually, I play about 20-24 games a week. If I have a busy schedule at work, I’ll play about 15 games a week.”
So what does he work on?
“I’m trying to improve my spare shooting and consistently hitting my mark,” Herrman said. “There are some drills. You try to keep your mph between certain speeds. Then, once your consistent, you speed up.”
He has seen improvement.
“I’m definitely more consistent,” Herrman said. “I’ve gotten a lot better hitting the 10 pin. How to put more hand or less hand on the ball. That’s how many resolutions of spin on the ball. The more hand you have, the more hook the ball has.”